The San Antonio Independent School District board voted 6-1 Monday to adopt the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum — a state-endorsed instructional program for K-5th grade students that has sparked controversy over its ties to religious content.
Trustee Stephanie Torres was the only board member who voted against the curriculum.
Art Valdez, another trustee, said he heard from community members who worry about the inclusion of religious and biblical references in some lessons.
“So what guidance will teachers receive on presenting these lessons in an academically appropriate and non-devotional manner?” Valdez questioned.
Superintendent Adrian Bustillos said the district plans to modify the curriculum, and the items the district cannot scope down, they will opt into using the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HHM) curriculum.
Districts that choose the curriculum receive $60 per student each year from the state to purchase the instructional materials. The Texas Legislature passed the system in 2023.
According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Bluebonnet Learning consists of “state-developed instructional materials that provide teachers with the tools to foster student success.”
Critics, including First Amendment advocates, argue the curriculum blurs the line between teaching about religious literature and promoting a religion.
Other trustees, like Mike Villarreal, questioned whether the curriculum should do more to represent other faiths.
“What can we do to make sure that our children understand that there are multiple religions of the world and they all have their principles and values,” Villarreal said during Monday’s meeting. “And there are atheists that have their own ethical moral and code.”
The TEA, however, maintains there is no religious instruction in the curriculum.
In the end, the majority of SAISD’s trustees said their decision came down to one thing: improving student outcomes.
“Right now, our time and our focus needs to be on turning these schools around and trusting the recommendations of our superintendent,” Trustee Christina Martinez added.
SAISD shared a transition plan in the board meeting agenda’s documents indicating the district will launch the new curriculum this school year on Aug. 12 at select schools.
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